Peace One Day Screening in UAE

I can only think of one word that can describe the screening of Peace One Day in the UAE on 27th August 2009: overwhelming.

I'm a man and I'm not meant to admit this, but by the start of the movie my eyes were already swelling up. Not just at what was happening on screen, but also because of all the love and support from everyone present.

For people that couldn't make it, we held the first public activity for Peace One Day. Our objective was simple: spread the message. This year we want to get people in the UAE aware that Peace One Day exists, and that everyone has the power to make a difference. We had a movie by Jeremy Gilley in our hands that we knew would move people, but how do we spread the word?

The answer came when members of our team met with a magical bundle of energy named Nayla Al Khaja, one of the leading figures in the UAE film scene. And with a swish of her wand, we had a venue and hundreds of people calling up to join.

And so the event came to be. The auditorium was packed, the air festive, and we could hardly stay still. We had a very special surprise message from an honored supporter of the cause: H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan, the Minister of Higher Education in the UAE. Along with his message we had the privilege of a number of ambassadors and VIP's attending the event.

Then it came time for the main event, Jeremy Gilley's movie. An incredible tale documenting his 10-year journey to create an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence. This movie is available on www.peaceoneday.org , and we urge you all to order a copy, watch it, and spread the message.

What this man has accomplished with pure conviction is breathtaking. Traveling around the world to witness first-hand how devastating humankind can be, Jeremy made a promise to dedicate his life to making a difference. He met with peace promoters from all over the world like the Dalai Lama, Kofi Annan, and hundreds of other government and NGO bodies to realize his dream.

Watching the movie again was as stirring as it was the first time. I kept on stealing glances at the audience with a smile in the corner of my mouth. People were transfixed. And as the movie ended, a storm of applause rose into the auditorium and I knew we now had hundreds of people behind us. Hundreds that will become thousands tomorrow, and millions after that.

The Q&A session could have gone on forever... and I say that with a huge smile on my face. And after anyone spoke they always ended with the same question: What can we do to help? Hearing that over and over was honest bliss. This year our plans are simple, spread the message of Peace One Day and get people to hear Jeremy Gilley's story. Next year comes the action.

On that note we want to heartily thank everyone that joined us yesterday. All your support and commitment is our fuel. It is beautiful being a part of something that is bigger than yourself, knowing that your efforts will help save lives.

I would also like to thank everyone that is working hard behind the scenes to make this happen. You guys are reading this now and know who are. And everyone else reading this, thanks for joining!

Please spread the word. We are all working hard to organize further screenings of the movie because we want all of you to see it. We will keep everyone updated, so please continue following us through this website or on facebook and twitter.

Peace & Love,

Nabil Rashid